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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals.
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A summary of letters sent to relevant healthcare professionals in December 2016.
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In February 2016, a letter was sent to healthcare professionals regarding medicines containing valproate.
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Children exposed to valproate in utero are at high risk of developmental disorders and congenital malformations. Use the new communication materials below to discuss these risks with patients
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Possible increased risk of retinopathy with epoetin beta in premature infants calls for careful consideration of options for preventing anaemia of prematurity.
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Last month, letters were sent regarding ketoprofen gel, fingolimod (Gilenya鈻�) and efavirenz (Sustiva).
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Do not use codeine in children under 12 as it is associated with a risk of respiratory side effects. Codeine is not recommended for adolescents (12 to 18) who have problems with breathing.
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While this defect is still being investigated, we remind you to always have a full spare cylinder loaded on the delivery device so the cylinders can be switched without delay.
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Since November 2014, letters were sent regarding vismodegib (Erivedge 鈻�), chlorhexidine solutions, carbocisteine oral liquid (Mucodyne Paediatric 125mg/5ml), regadenoson (Rapiscan), a parenteral nutrition emulsion (Triomel),鈥�
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A European review has considered MHRA evidence together with additional information from spontaneous reporting and published literature.
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We have received reports of Colobreathe (colistimethate sodium) capsules shattering when pierced by their inhaler device.
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We remind you to provide clear information to patients and caregivers regarding risk of accidental patch transfer and ingestion of patches, and need for appropriate disposal of patches.
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After every use, an ambulance should be called even if symptoms are improving, the individual should lie down with legs raised and, if at all possible, should not be left alone.
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Risk of tuberculosis - screen all patients before starting treatment and monitor them closely.
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Restricted dose and duration of use.
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All products to be named and prescribed as caffeine citrate.
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Codeine should only be used to relieve acute moderate pain in children older than 12 years and only if it cannot be relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.
Furthermore, a significant risk of se鈥�
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Safety review initiated following post-surgical fatalities in ultra-rapid metabolisers
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Do not use in children aged 16 years or less, except in specialist settings under expert medical supervision.
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Care must be taken with dosing as the 2 products are not equivalent.
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Reminder that paediatric paracetamol liquids had been developed to ensure children receive optimum dosing for their age.
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Care needed when transferring from unlicensed formulations.
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Updated dosing for paediatric paracetamol liquids has been developed to ensure children receive the optimum dose for their age.
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Should not be used for cough under 18 years
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Aluminium can be leached from glass after contact with calcium gluconate solution, leading to a risk of exposure to aluminium. Accumulation of aluminium might have adverse effects on bone mineralisation and neurological deve鈥�
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Risk of accidental overdose, particularly in infants and neonates.
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Epidemiological data suggest that the use of SSRIs in pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to enquire鈥�
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Recent epidemiological evidence suggests a possible small increased risk of congenital cardiac defects in association with fluoxetine in early pregnancy, similar to that seen with paroxetine. There are insufficient data to d鈥�
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The design and content of the Patient Information Leaflets for methylphenidate products are being updated with the latest guidance on safe and effective use for patients and carers
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If new movement disorders occur during treatment consider dose reduction or a gradual discontinuation of treatment in consultation with specialist advice.
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Updated advice for healthcare professionals not to mix or infuse ceftriaxone with solutions containing calcium.
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Use of has led to serious paracetamol overdose in a 6-month-old infant.
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Topical oral salicylate gels are no longer indicated for people younger than 16 years for pain associated with infant teething, orthodontic devices, cold sores, or mouth ulcers.
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These medicines are not first-line options for insomnia.
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Advice on how to use cough and cold medicines safely for children under 12 years.
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Updated guidance to use methylphenidateto safely and effectively for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children of 6 years or older and adolescents.
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Atomoxetine is associated with treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms in children and adolescents - consider stopping this if symptoms occur.
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Breastfed babies might very rarely develop side-effects due to the presence of morphine in breast milk.
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To avoid the risk of air embolism, these products should not be infused under pressure.
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Healthcare professionals should advise patients who need re-vaccination with Pneumovax II to expect a more intense reaction than after their first vaccination.
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Isotretinoin should only be prescribed by consultant dermatologist-led teams and dispensed only by a hospital pharmacy.